Wisdom, madness, and kindness of Crowds: What is the adaptive value of collective decision making ?

Abstract:
Many of us believe that two heads are better than one. Almost all of us also believe that too many cooks spoil the broth. Social psychology has provided evidence for both views raising the question if groups are not particularly better than individuals, what is the point of making decisions together? In my talk I will explore this question and suggest that consistent collective benefit is indeed real and achievable but not in the form of choice accuracy. You will have to sit through the talk - I am afraid - to see what my alternative is.